N.J. FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY-STRUCK BY APPARATUS
It is with deep regret that we advise you that a Firefighter operating at a working fire in Elizabeth (N.J.) was killed in the Line of Duty after getting struck by fire apparatus this morning. Initial reports are the Veteran Firefighter was pinned beneath the fire apparatus, was removed, treated and transported where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. Additional information indicates that he was involved in establishing a supply line and was struck by the or another apparatus. The fire came in around 0200 hours in an abandoned house and spread to a nearby occupied house. The family of four was able to escape the fire unharmed.
We will provide an update this afternoon when it is released by the EFD.
Our deep condolences to all affected by the 1st LODD of 2009.
In 2008 there were 113 Firefighters killed in the Line of Duty in the United States.
Take Care-BE CAREFUL

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UPDATE: NJ FF LODD-Run Over By Backing Apparatus
ALSO: Related Apparatus Backing Training Info Links Below
The Secret List - www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

A 57-year-old Elizabeth (N.J.) Firefighter who was reported to be functioning as an Acting Captain, Gary Stephens, suffered extensive head and chest trauma when fire apparatus ran over him at about 0230 hours this morning. The 28-year veteran never regained consciousness and was killed in the line of Duty.
A/Captain Stephens was directing the apparatus, which was backing up under a bridge supporting the New Jersey Turnpike as it laid down a supply line for Firefighters operating at the a fire a few blocks away.
Stephens was tragically run down after turning away to look at the fire.....the apparatus was moving at less than 5 mph.
Our condolences to all affected, including the Firefighter operating the rig, the members of the EFD and especially the family of A/Captain, Firefighter Gary Stephens.
A suspect is being questioned about the fire. Here are 2 Elizabeth FD websites:
http://www.elizabethnjfire.com/
http://www.fmbalocal9.org/

APPARATUS BACKING SAFETY/TRAINING:
While clearly all the facts are not out on exactly how this mornings tragic LODD occurred, there is no question that Firefighters everywhere will be talking about it.
So instead of just talking, here are links so that we can all HONOR the life of Firefighter Gary Stephens by reviewing SOP's, drilling and training to learn and prevent similar events.

Here are links for drill information and power points related to apparatus backing:
http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/drills/FCC%20Vol%202-24%20Back...
http://www.iaff.org/hs/EVSP/PowerPoint%20Presentation%20in%20PDF.pdf
http://www.iaff.org/HS/EVSP/PowerPoint%20Handouts%20in%20PDF.pdf
http://www.respondersafety.com
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
As you know, Elizabeth (NJ) FF Gary Stephens died in the Line of Duty in a horribly tragic accident early this morning when he was run over by his apparatus as it backed up while establishing water. He had 28-years on the EFD. The apparatus (photo on our home page) was being driven by one of FF Stephens' longtime friends, a 25-year veteran of the EFD.
The apparatus was moving at less than 5 mph when the tragedy occurred under a bridge supporting the New Jersey Turnpike. FF Stephens was directing the vehicle with hand signals as it backed up to lay a line for the structural fires a few blocks away. FF Stephens was hit after he turned to look at the fire. As we can all just attempt to imagine, the driver of the apparatus is ``devastated.''

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